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Technorati• Another cause of financial bondage might be your attitude about the material areas of your life. You find in James 3:16 that, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” If you have the attitude that says, “I’ve got to have it!” Or, “I truly deserve it!” Watch out! This is not the attitude of a Godly steward.
• Poor planning can also help financial bondage along. Remember that Proverbs 16:9 says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” This is a problem for many Christians. True, this scripture says that no matter how poorly you plan your life; the Lord can choose to direct your steps. But, the Lord doesn’t want mere spectators on His team. He wants participants. He wants you to come down out of the stands, suit up, and get onto the field and into the “game.” He wants you to plan for the short and long term.
These are just a few of the “spiritual” conditions that lead to the “attitude” of financial bondage. But, is there a way out? Yes!
Here are some examples of financial symptoms, related spiritual problems, and suggested courses of action.
1. Symptoms: Past due bills, worry, and excessive credit
Problem: Financial ignorance, self-indulgence
Solution: Discipline, excellence, ask for help
2. Symptoms: Abnormal losses, risks, hasty decisions
Problem: Get-rich-quick attitude
Solution: Patience, prayer, planning, ask for help
3. Symptoms: Sloppy records, deficient accounts, no budget
Problem: Slothfulness, laxness
Solution: Developing plans, ask for help
4. Symptoms: Envy, resentment, bitterness
Problem: Covetousness
Solution: Contentment, acceptance of God’s authority, ask for help
5. Symptoms: Self-indulgence, lavishness, waste, ego
Problem: Greed, pride
Solution: Discipline, moderation, ask for help
Most importantly...
The most important thing about financial bondage is that, according to God, there is always a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
There is a way out of financial bondage. The way out is to get closer to God, learn what He says, then act on what He gives you to do.
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Bob Louder is the Founder and President of Christian Financial Ministries (www.good-steward.org). Bob is also the author of the new best selling book, “Debt Free Living God’s Way,” available only on the Internet (www.debtfreelivinggodsway.org). Since 1987 Bob has helped people in hundreds of churches all across the country and in the European military community learn, understand, apply and pass on “Debt Free Living God’s Way” principles and practical applications. He has represented some of the top Christian financial authors and ministries to include Larry Burkett, Dave Ramsey, Christian Financial Concepts, and Crown Ministries.
Copyright 2006 Christian Financial Ministries, Inc., All Rights Reserved. You may reprint this “Special Report” in whole or in part without permission from Christian Financial Ministries, Inc. Please credit material used to Christian Financial Ministries, Inc.
